Gary Johnson, the former governor of New Mexico and 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has hired an Iowa director.

Jake Porter, a former candidate for Iowa Secretary of State, is the campaign’s new Iowa director.

“Iowa is obviously an important keystone to any campaign and we will greatly benefit from having Jake on staff there,” said Ron Nielson, senior adviser to the campaign. “Jake knows that Gary Johnson is the best choice for Republicans to defeat Obama in 2012 through his proven executive experience and his solutions on fiscal and social policy. We’re excited to have him on board.”